Canned Goods
THE DETAILS

Superintendent:
Carla MacKay
c75mackay@gmail.com

 

Mail Entries to:

Carla MacKay
88 Cox Road
Portland CT, 06480
Please subject: Portland Fair

“Agriculture: Together We Grow Celebrating 250 Years of Progress in Agriculture”
– Agriculture Council of America

For 250 years our country has had dirt under its nails, and we couldn’t be more proud of it! From backyard gardeners to family farms, agriculture has always been at the heart of our community.  This year’s fair celebrates that rich tradition through the hands-on skills passed down through generations – the perfectly preserved jam, the prize-winning bloom, the lovingly knitted garment.  Whether you’re a lifelong farmer or a first time exhibitor these exhibits remind us that growing things together is what keeps our community thriving.

Look for these special Themed Entries throughout the Crafts & Community Tent

Baking Trashion Show Canned Goods
Happy Birthday America Cake 250 Years of America Victory Garden Pickles
Veg & Fruits Youth Flowers
Heirloom Display Flag Native Arrangement
Crafts & Collections Photography Needle & Fiber Arts
“Farm to Table” “Spotlight on Agriculture” a “Sample of History”
  1. Entries must be the work of the exhibitor.
  2. Entry forms must be received by mail, no later than Tuesday before the fair. Absolutely no entries will be accepted after that date. The committee will accept exhibits on Thursday, the day before the fair between 5:00-7:00 pm. No unregistered entries will be accepted.
  3. Judging for the entire department will be on the Danish System (all exhibits judged on their own merits and not in competition with other entries). Multiple awards can be given in a class. Judging will be on Friday.
  4. Exhibits will be under observation at all times during the fair. Security guards will be on duty during the night, however the Association is not responsible for anything damaged, lost or stolen.
  5. The Exhibit tent will close at 5:00 on Sunday to the public and to the Exhibitors to prepare for 6:00 pick-up. THERE WILL BE NO ENTRY INTO THE TENT BETWEEN 5:00 and 6:00. Exhibits must be picked up on Sunday between 6:00 – 7:00 pm. Exhibits not picked up by 7:00 pm will be discarded. Any winnings will be donated back to the Portland Fair.
  6. Limit is one entry per category. All classes require two (2) jars of the same kind for each class entered.  
  7. All entries must have been canned between October 2025 and September 2026. Jars must be clean, standard canning size and labeled with Description and Date Processed.
  8. Jams and Jellies must be in standard canning glasses, jam jars or 1/2-pint jars. Jars must have canning lids with rings. No wax allowed.
  1. Bee Products
    1. Beeswax
    2. Honey
    3. Honeycomb
    4. Pollen
    5. Other
  2. Dried Goods
    1. Herbs
    2. Fruit
    3. Vegetables
    4. Other
  3. Fruit
    1. Apples
    2. Peaches
    3. Pineapples
    4. Other
  4. Fruit Butter
    1. Apple
    2. Pumpkin
    3. Other
  5. Jams
    1. Grape
    2. Raspberry
    3. Strawberry
    4. Other
  6. Jellies
    1. Blueberry
    2. Grape
    3. Raspberry
    4. Other
  7. Pickles
    1. Bread & Butter
    2. Dill
    3. Kosher
    4. Other
  8. Relishes
    1. Corn
    2. Fruit
    3. Pickle
    4. Other
  9. Sauces
    1. Barbecue
    2. Cranberry
    3. Ketchup
    4. Other
  10. Syrup
    1. Fruit
    2. Maple – Amber
    3. Maple – Golden
    4. Maple – Dark
    5. Other
  11. Tomatoes
    1. Sauce
    2. Stewed
    3. Whole
    4. Other
  12. Vegetables
    1. Beans
    2. Carrots
    3. Corn
    4. Other
  13. 2026 Themed Entry = Victory Golden Pickles

$5.00 Best in Show & Rosette

  • 1st: $4.00
  • 2nd: $3.00
  • 3rd: $2.00

Themed Entry: Victory Garden Pickles

  • 1st: $8.00
  • 2nd: $6.00
  • 3rd: $4.00

Celebrating 250 Years

VICTORY GARDEN PICLKES themed entry

Victory Garden Pickles were an essential component of the Homefront food preservation movement during WWI and WWII designated to combat food shortages, conserve rationed goods, and boost civilian morale.  The U.S. Government promoted these gardens as a patriotic duty, with over 20 million gardens producing roughly 40% of the nations fresh vegetables by 1944.  While cucumbers were popular, gardeners often grew and pickles other vegetables including beets, green beans, and carrots.